Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color

Tag: lynching

May 30, 2014

The worm turns, no. 2.

A WHITE MAN MURDERED BY A FREE NEGRO. – The Murderer Hung. – We learn by a private letter from Wilkesboro that on the 1st instant a number of men in Wilkes county attempted to press a free negro by the name of Fletcher into the army as a servant. The negro fled, was pursued and caught. He then drew a pistol and shot his capturer, a Mr Carrender, through, killing him instantly. He was then carried to Wilkesboro and lodged in jail. On the following Thursday, the 3rd, an excited crowd gathered at the jail, and took the negro out and hung him until he was dead. – Raleigh Register.

The Charlotte Democrat, 22 October 1861.

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May 18, 2014

Satisfied with his guilt, the spectators immediately hung him.

FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.

MURFREESBORO, N.C., Dec. 16, 1862.

On Saturday 13th inst., Mr. Joshua Ferguson, of this (Hertford) county, left his house, taking his little son along; he soon after told the little fellow to return home and he went on. Mr. F. was not heard from for some days, when his mutilated remains, partially charred, were found near the cabin of a free negro named Artis. Artis was taken into custody and his wife and father informed the captors, that Artis had murdered Mr. Ferguson, first striking him on the head with a hoe, afterwards chopped him to pieces with an axe and attempted to burn the body up. Being satisfied of the guilt of Artis, the incensed spectators immediately hung him. S.J.W.

The Spirit of the Age (Raleigh), 22 December 1862.

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